What is your vision as a writer? To enlighten the world with your words? To become rich and famous like James Patterson, Stephen King and J.K. Rowling? To touch people’s hearts and make their lives more enjoyable? Simply to have your voice heard? Or to create purely for your own pleasure? The psychology of being a writer is very much about management — how to manage your writing projects, how to plan your publishing and marketing schedules, how to meet the demands of readers and reviewers, etc. That is different from the psychology of writing, which asks only one question — exactly why do you write?

Figuring out your own answer to this question will help to inspire and improve the way you write. Indeed, having a vision will help you navigate the voyage ahead. If you want to change the world, then ensure your agenda is conveyed through stories instead of slogans. If you want to better people’s lives, then focus on the impact of their emotions and actions on each other. If you are writing for money, then work hard to boost productivity, increase discoverability and enhance credibility. If you just want someone to listen to you, then concentrate on polishing and amplifying your voice through as many channels as possible.

The point is, having a vision is not enough. You have to embark on a journey to reach your goal. The question “How can I become a writer?” will only have an answer — your own unique answer — when you dare to give it a go. Even if you just want to create something for your own pleasure, nothing will happen unless you start writing or typing.

It is important to have a vision, yes. Then, if you want to write, write. Start your voyage right now, before your vision turns into a mirage.